The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-04-22

RAILROAD MEETING IN BEL ARA meeting
to take steps towards securing a railroad con.
nection between Bel Air and the proposed Deer
Greek aud Susquehanna Railroad was held in
the Commissioners office, Bel Air. Tuesday
night.
Mr.. John ii, Reckord was called to the chair
aud F. W. Baker appointed Secretary.
Mr.. s. A. Williams stated the object of the
meeting. lie said that since the profits of grain
farming and stock raising are so small the pco
pie OF Hartford must look TO something else to
get living and increase the value of their lands
when compelled to sell them. We have seen
the advantage of the narrow. gauge railroad to
the town and neighborhood, and broad.gauge
railroads here, especially if connected with the
Pennsylvania system, would bring about COM
petition with the Maryland Central, and drive
its management into making it u broad
gauge road. With two competing broad gauge
railroads at our doors this vicinity would be
desirable not only for residences but for manu-
featuring industries, as there are many valuable
wnter-powers within few miles of the town.
The town should not let this opportunity pass
without making an effort to secure this railroad
of the eastern part of the county to have rail-
road connection with Bel Air, and with little
effort on our part the Bel Air branch can be put
through with the other.
Mr.. E. G. Price said that subscriptions to the
Bel Air branch would encourage people TO
subscribe on the main line and both could be
built.
MIR. Geo. E. Silver said the persons interested
in the Deer Creek and suSquehanna Railroad
would like 10 see 1t come to Bel Air, and If the
people of Bel Air would do what they ought they
would put themselves in the possibility of get.
ing this branch road. We have lost our grain
trade and are losing our stock trade, and what
We must do is TO build a railroad. We are close
to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
Washington, the chief cities of the Eastern
seaboard, and with this advantage of situation
broad-gauge railroad would open up benefits
not dreamed of now. If Bel Air can get this
connection she had better do it. With little
help here we may be able to tack Bel Air to the
line and secure the whole as well as one part
Mr.. Williams said that the PENNSYLVANIA road
had looked favorably upon a connection with
Bel Air and advantage should be taken of this
opportunity.
Mr.. w. Beatty Harlan also urged the impor.
lance OF acting at once. lie said it seemed pos
sible that the towpath Of the Tidewater Canal
would be converted into railroad and if this
is done Bel Air and Churchvile will be left out
for great many years to come. The branch
road would not only give us connection with
Baltimore but also with the North. What has
the little narrow-gauge road already done for
Bel Air? How many lots were sold for 81 COO
an acre before this road was built? Now, Mr..
Dallam informs me, rs acres have been sold for
500, 400 for building lots. Within the last year
alone buildings costing 100000 have been put
up in Bel Air. Business men wish TO get into
close connection with the large cities and with
o broad gauge railroad to Bel Air this whole
region would be desirable for residences We
have, also, the advantage of a large supply Of
water, which is necessary in manufacturing,
even where steam is used. Our beautiful couu.
try with the advantages we have would attract
capital here. 1t was this brought Mr. Jewett
to Hartford. He was here as boy and remem.
bered that it WIS the most beautiful country
his eyes ever rested upon. For subscription
of from $40, 900 to S15.000 MIR. Harlan thought,
the road could be secured, and he would regard
this as q good business transaction.
Mr.. Johns II. Janney said that not only every
landowner but every mechanic, every store.
keeper, every lawyer and every doctor would be
benefited by having this railroad here. Certainly
all these classes lave been benefited by the mar
row-gauge, and they all ought to help TO get tue
new railroad